The Kiwis will be without the services of second-rower Jacob Laban for the remainder of the Rugby League World Cup.
After making his Test debut during the one-sided win during the 82-16 win over the Cook Islands in Christchurch, the emerging Warriors star took no part in last week’s training due to a lower leg injury.
Scans have since revealed the extent of the injury, rendering him unavailable for Saturday’s semi-final against Tonga in Newcastle and, result pending, the tournament final the following weekend.
Australia and Samoa will play the second semi-final in Sydney on Sunday.
Laban’s omission opens the door for hooker Phoenix Crossland to return to the Kiwis fold.
One of the stand-outs of the Newcastle Knights’ run to the NRL Grand Final, Crossland was excluded from head coach Stacey Jones’ initial World Cup squad after receiving a four-match ban for a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary, which left the Penrith Panthers superstar with a season-ending compound fracture.
As a result, Crossland took no part in the Grand Final defeat to the Sydney Roosters, but is now available for selection, following his successful appeal to have New Zealand’s opening three games of the World Cup count toward his penalty.
Given his form through the NRL finals series, Crossland will likely immediately be in contention to wear the Kiwis’ No. 9 jersey against Tonga, with Jeremy Marshall-King having started throughout the tournament so far.
Warriors rake Wayde Egan has also been training with the Kiwis, although he hasn’t officially been named as part of the squad.
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